How to Decorate Around a Wall Fireplace

A wall fireplace can give your living room a focal point that demands attention. There are a variety of models on the market, however, so it is crucial to choose one that meets your needs.

Some of the most important features include the heat output, the appearance and the controls. If you're not familiar with these features, it's recommended to hire an expert to assist you in choosing the best model.

Molded Squares

A stale stone fireplace electric surround and bland walls left this living space in need of a dramatic fireplace makeover. With a few tweaks to the design the new look is vibrant and eye-catching and makes the hearth an important focal point in the room. A whitewashed mantel for the fireplace and contemporary artwork above the fireplace update the facade while the shelves that are gray below provide a stark contrast. A few color changes also help the facade stand apart from the wall, which enhances the charm of this fireplace design.

Base cap moldings and thin trim pieces are paired to create a simple, yet effective method of framing the fireplace with a tile surround. Select a trim style that contrasts with or complements your other trim elements for example, the thick casing around doors and windows to create a cohesive look. If you prefer an elegant, high-end style, you can use fluted trim to give the illusion of a mantel. For a more rustic farmhouse look, opt for dentil trim instead.

Accent walls with wainscoting are a popular method to add personality to rooms. The same technique can also be used to frame a fireplace. Try a paneled product like tongue-and-groove cedar siding or beadboard instead of plank boards to create a dramatic appearance.

Another non-combustible material that you can use to create the fireplace surround is brick, which is available in a variety of styles and colors. A classic brick fireplace in red is ideal for Craft Revival or Cottage-style homes. The rustic-look brick is an alternative that is able to blend with a more traditional, country decor.

If you want to incorporate brick into the design of your fireplace, make sure that your hearth measures 16 to 18 inches from the opening of the firebox and the surround is 8-12 inches in all directions. Make sure the brick you select is safe and complies with all national and local codes.

Open shelving is a great way of storing books and other items. However, too many shelves can obstruct the appearance of the fireplace. For this family room, the homeowners designed a wall-to-ceiling limestone cladding to elevate the appearance of the fireplace, without obscuring the open shelving.

Rustic Wood Beam

Reclaimed wood beams with a rustic look are ideal for a fireplace wall. They add timeless beauty to any home. Reclaimed wood beams are sourced from old barns, stables and other demolished structures. Each beam has its own distinct story. Reclaimed wood can also be used as a feature in modern kitchens or wide planks to give an authentic appearance. They have the typical markings of barn wood, including mortise and nail holes as well as a natural patina that enhances their durability.

Look through salvage yards for architectural salvage and flea market for reclaimed wood elements to make into a fireplace. For instance the earthy hue of pine that highlights this traditional living room mantel and surround creates a cozy rural retreat. The knotty imperfections of the wood emphasize the hand-crafted appearance and are a perfect match for the simple lines of the beaded-board wainscoting which borders the fireplace's wall. The rustic warmth of the room is accentuated by a pair inspired by nature wall sconces and a landscape image above the mantel.

Repurposed fireplaces wooden beams can make an attractive feature to any room in your home. They can be stained to match your existing decor or carved to give an antique look. They can be painted to give them a more modern look, or covered with faux finishes like rust or marbling paint.

The wooden beams can serve as the central feature of any fireplace. They can be used to highlight a mantel without any fire burning. They can be used to highlight the mantel, without burning fire.

No matter which method of installation you choose ensure that your steel or wood beams are adequately protected from the possible consequences of fire. Both types of materials are susceptible to becoming brittle and weakening in the face of extreme heat, but both are able to be strengthened with a layer of fire-resistant drywall or commercial fire-protectant that is sprayed on steel I-beams. These products can be found in most home improvement stores.

White Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile can make an impact when used as a fireplace surround. Its shape instantly enhances the space and is a perfect match for any decor choice, from traditional to modern. The choice of a matte finish for the tiles is the best way to keep that sleek and polished look, while adding some contrast that makes the tabletop fireplace pop.

Hex tiles can be customised by a variety of textures to create an individual look. Stone-look tile is a very popular choice that gives the space an authentic, rustic look while blending beautifully with natural materials such as wood. Marble-look tile is another classic option that gives an elegant and luxurious aesthetic to the space. These tiles feature an elegant and glossy surface that reflects light beautifully and brightens the room.

The perfect tile pattern can enhance the overall design of the fireplace stove. For example, the ribbed tile on this fireplace by @lorenapulichinodesign creates an interesting visual element that pairs beautifully with the smooth, thick mantel. The patterned tile gives an artistic look to the space, and balances the modern organic style fireplace with the overall design of the room.

If you're not sure about taking a risk on a pattern in your home, a fireplace can be an ideal place to test out a bold pattern that could be intimidating in other areas of your home. This geometric tile (here's an alternative) with its black grout lines gives this space a sophisticated yet lively energy. The hexagonal shapes are arranged as cubes to create an exciting layout, while the dark brown color creates an inviting and warm look that complements the industrial style of this room.

Tile that looks like brick or other common materials is another way to create an impact with your fireplace. This textured tile from LA Designer Affair has a similar appearance to traditional brick, but is much simpler to maintain and clean.

If you're not ready commit to a full-scale remodel of your fireplace's surround, think about using a peel and stick tile to refresh the look without breaking the bank. A majority of these options are heat-resistant, making them suitable for use in the fireplace and able to stick to the existing surface. This peel and stick herringbone tile is an excellent option for adding the look of a room. It also works beautifully with traditional furniture.

Paint the Mantel

A fresh coat of paint is the best way to hide a brick surround on the wall of a fireplace. The mantel can be painted a different hue to add warmth and character. A new paint color can make your fireplace stand out. You can match it with the scheme of color in the room or choose something bold.

If your mantel is wood, inspect it first for gouges, cracks, and scratches. Fill in the dents with wood putty if they are small enough. Allow it to dry for the amount of time recommended. Sand the surface with 100-grit paper to roughen it prior to painting. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or dust.

While white is a popular color for electric fireplaces and walls, the right shade can really help your mantel stand out. Check out the other wood trims, moldings, Fires and bookcases in your home to get inspiration. Does your mantel match in shade as theirs or is it lighter or darker? If you opt for the latter, choose the color that works well with the other hues in the room to keep it looking balanced.

Make sure you cover the area around you with a dropcloth or sheets before you begin painting. Clear off the mantel and remove any decorative pieces or displays that may be hung above it. If your fireplace is brick, get rid of any pictures or ornaments that are on or within the fireplace. Once the mantel has been cleaned, take a damp cloth and wipe it down to get rid of any dust or soot.

Apply a base coat of EasyCare Ultra Premium Interior Paint to your mantel using either a roller or brush. The semi-gloss paint lasts and stain resistant, so your mantel can withstand the heat of the fireplace, and any other items placed on it. Allow the primer to dry in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer prior to moving on to the main body of your fireplace's wall.

While brick is a beautiful feature of a fireplace wall, it can be a bit heavy and dark in color. The mantel painted with a light or neutral color will make it appear more lively and more inviting to guests. If you choose to paint it the lighter hue, think about pairing it with a earthy-toned artwork or a mirror that is large above it to create a balanced look.